A Parent’s Take on Running for School Board

Ryan Towner isn’t just another name on the ballot for Jefferson City’s school board—he’s a dad with four kids in local elementary schools and a lifelong resident. His campaign isn’t about flashy promises but about rolling up his sleeves to tackle real challenges schools face. With three seats open, Towner sees this as a chance to bring a parent’s perspective to the table, not as someone pushing a hidden agenda but as someone who wants to listen and help solve problems as they come up. He’s spent years volunteering with groups like the United Way and local career centers, where he’s gotten used to digging into budgets and spotting inefficiencies. That experience matters because schools are facing tight finances, rising health insurance costs, and the constant struggle to keep classrooms running smoothly. Towner isn’t claiming to have all the answers—he admits outsourcing bus services has caused headaches—but he’s eager to work with teachers, parents, and staff to find fixes.Safety is another big concern, and Towner’s approach isn’t just about locking doors or hiring more officers. He believes in a mix of mental health support, training for staff, and smart security measures. The goal? Making sure schools aren’t just safe but feel safe for everyone. Still, he’s cautious about overreacting—Jefferson City already has resource officers and some solid plans, but there’s always room to improve. Transparency is his buzzword when it comes to the school board’s relationship with the public. He thinks people deserve to know exactly how their tax dollars are spent, comparing it to how nonprofits manage funds. It’s not about blind trust—it’s about clear communication to keep everyone on the same page.